Meet Sandy Kupfer | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandy Kupfer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandy, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
I would enjoy being a successful painter in societal standards working with large galleries and creating impactful works as a practicing fine artists. But prioritized above that, my main ambition with pursuing creativity and being a practicing artist for a lifetime career would be to have a positive shift for society. To inspire the youth and others to truly question things, embrace being their authentic selves, and to uplift each other.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There is a sense of urgency backed by high energy when I paint, draw, tattoo, and write. My paintings come from a place deeper than the heart-the soul. It offers an honest and raw perspective and appraisal. The work is crude and executed in a feverish manner, resulting in very gestural strokes. Though created with lots of tenacity and quick strokes-there is a thoughtful intention behind each mark. My artwork is a catharsis of my innermost voice, one which is hard to express within the confinements of language. Art is a safe haven where I can get as vulnerable as I want. It also can be an investigation of obsessions of mine including (but not only), spirituality, psychology, a plethora of history. My art is founded on a deep reverence for those before me in art history and those I am in conversation with today.

I am grateful to have exhibited a few solo exhibitions in the past two years as well as participated in group shows at various galleries and project spaces. I recently created the art for an NFT called “Paingelz”, which minted out in less than 48 hours and was the number one project in the world. Currently I am most proud of a clothing collaboration with an internationally renowned brand that features my tattoo flash.

I unknowingly developed a dedicated artistic practice at the age of 16 when I was isolated in my hometown in Pennsylvania. Drawing, writing lyric or poetry, and making paintings was the answer to my teenage angst, and the remedy for my woes. At this age, I fell into a deep addiction and experienced the torment of mental health issues.

Art has been a huge conduit for my healing and search for peace. Whether it be when I get lost in a dark a place, or am in a state of bliss, it offers me connection to something Greater as well as a better understanding of others, this world, and myself. Most importantly it offers me a format of communication which can and does, at its best, offer others healing and light.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
to start off food is necessity! my favorite restaurant right now is one called Johnny’s. it’s open late nights with vibes outdoor seating, along with the best pastrami sandwich. Then I’d take them to Tony’s Saloon, where my partner and I play pool. I’m in recovery but most of my friends would love the bar setup too. The next day I’d take them to Arroyo park where I like to hike and see a few horses in a barn on the trail. I’d take them to Avalon Vintage and as many other superb vintage stores they would need to suffice. We would goto an art show or shows at whichever gallery(s) a friend is showing with. I’d take them to the In N Out by LAX and send them on their travels with a full stomach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In middle school and high school I had the same art teacher for all seven years, Ms. Tichenor. She taught me that I should cherish my creativity, and she cultivated it into a frenzied passion of mine. Without her, I don’t think I had the experience I do with fine arts and pursuing the creation and education of work full-heartedly

Other: instagram: @sandykupferpaints & @iluvvvlife
email: sanderkupfer@gmail.com

Image Credits
Alex Free
Ross C Berg